One of the benefits of watching YouTube videos & reading travel blogs is learning about helpful apps for camper vans. “RV Parky” is a good one to find free, overnight parking locations. However, some people have abused this free privilege by leaving trash in the parking lots & staying longer than one night! Out of financial necessity, a few nomads living in their vehicles fall into this category, especially in high cost areas. They find a free location and stay for days, until involuntarily forced to vacate the premises.
It’s to the point in 2021, that local Walmart’s are no longer allowing overnight parking for any vehicle. It only takes a few, inconsiderate people to ruin it for everyone!
For example, I searched for free overnight parking in Columbus Ohio. Almost all of the Walmart’s located in this metropolitan city do not allow overnight parking!
Fortunately, a Columbus Cracker Barrel restaurant does permit overnight, free parking for vehicles. Highly suggest you patronize restaurants, service stations, and stores who allow it. Buy a cup of coffee, breakfast meal, gasoline, or a pack of gum and thank a store manager for offering such a great service, free-of-charge. And by all means, don’t litter, remain stealth with no chairs or accessories placed outside your camper or vehicle. For many overnighters, this is common sense advice that may seem downright condescending to responsible adults. However, it’s heart-breaking to see Walmart & other locations quit offering free, overnight parking with cameras now in use because some people did not practice RV etiquette and/or good manners! Parking lots are not camp sites with hookups and drainage areas. I hope RV Parky remains a free app beneficial in finding free, overnight parking!
Just in case you think I’m joking about Walmart cameras in use, seeing is believing at a Walmart Super Center on Carolina Beach Road in Wilmington, NC.
Cameras in use, no overnight parking signs at North Carolina Walmart video
Micro Van Life 